Episode 2: REVEALING INTERVIEW WITH RENOWNED VOCAL COACH AND SINGER, FREEMAN AME
OMENT: How did your Asian tour come about and what were the experiences? what is the difference in appreciation of your profession in Asia, compared to Africa?
Freeman: My recent stint in Asia is a long story & has an even more interesting long story behind it (laughs). Let's just say in time the full story will come out. It's one of the most blessed time in my life so far though.
OMENT: What are the very memorable big stages you have mounted through out your career and who are some of the world stars you worked with ?
Freeman: I've been privileged to share stage and work with so many great musicians that I feel mentioning some & leaving out others would be injustice, however, I consider myself very fortunate in this aspect.
OMENT: What brought you to Ghana?
Freeman: God. My original intention was to move to the UK, so it's Him that orchestrated me choosing to be here over my previous intentions nothing & no one else would have made me change my mind, and I must say I'm glad I listened.
OMENT: How has life as a vocal coach been for you in terms of the average vocal ability of most Africans?
Freeman: Sadly Africa is yet to fully wake up to the fact that anyone who wants to make a career out of their voice, whether to speak or sing, need to get their voices trained. Singing or public speaking isn't just about talent, it's about communicating, making impressions & influencing people. So if the use of the voice is not approached professionally by getting it trained, many will look efficient in their performances, but will not be effective in their delivery as we are experiencing even now; and believe me there is a huge difference there.
OMENT: From the experience of contributing massively to the improvement of talent shows such as Kiddafest, (Citi FM) Voice factory, TV3 Mentor stars of the future, Vodafone Icons among many what is your impression about their impact on the development of talents.
Freeman: The motive behind the music reality show concepts is right. Indeed, it has helped Ghana & Africa know that we have a huge arsenal of talented & gifted (potential) entertainers, but talent alone is not enough, and because the concept of training is not emphasized & followed through, all the winners keep experiencing the 'flash in the pan' phenomena. There has to be a balance for us to be able to bring out world class performers, and that balance will come from the discipline that knowledge & training brings.
OMENT: What are you hobbies and how do you relieve your self of stress?
Freeman: I don't think I've truly acquired a serious hobby yet, but I enjoy watching comedy movies, reading, listening to good music, meeting people, & I de-sress by laughing, a lot.
OMENT: Who has been that lovely comforter? and when does marriage intend to set in your life?
Freeman: God has blessed me with a lot of family & friends who surround me with goodness & love. Marriage to me is not a priority of some sort, it's like one of the many events that happens in a persons life like, graduating with a degree, attaining manhood, becoming born-again, etc. It's not a full-stop but a comma, it will happen at God's appointed time with God's chosen partner and life will continue (laughs).
OMENT: What should people expect from your long awaited 'The Sky Is The Limit' album and what has gone into the preparation for this album in terms of content, target & impact?
Freeman: I've been a singer for some time but waited this long to release an album because this is the time God set, but more importantly, my musicianship is matured enough to share with the world my view, my perspective, and my class of music, and I'm hoping it will show in my lyrics, my vocal delivery as well as in my musicality and the world will appreciate what I add to the Universe as my own brand.
SIDE INTERESTS
FavoriteDesigners –
My Trendiest Fashion Accessories – Shoes / watches / pants Chain.
My Sense of class –
Favorite colour of clothes –
Favorite perfume –
Favorite movie-
Favorite African food –
Freeman: Sorry, I don't really care much for all these, they're all vanity to me y'know, plus we end up enriching some cat somewhere who doesn't really care about us.
HOW DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SEE YOU?
Freeman: I'd love for people to see me as a problem solver, a solution bringer.. It would be nice if people get that vibe from me y'know..